RES 342 Draft 03 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNTY OF HAWAII ` STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. ? (DRAFT 3) RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE KONA COFFEE BELT IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII WHEREAS, the famed Kona Coffee Belt, a strip of land in Kona along the Mamalahoa Highway approximately two miles wide running almost parallel to the coast between the 700 and 2000 foot elevations between and immediately adjacent to the Palani and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau junctions, is known for its prime growing conditions and rich volcanic soils which produce one of the world's most sought-after coffee; and WHEREAS, the Kona coffee industry continues to have a positive and substantial effect on the County's economy by providing coffee farmers, the Kona business community, and the surrounding communities with along-term sustainable economic base; and WHEREAS, the Kona Coffee Belt lands, which are designated by the State as "Unique Agricultural Lands" on its Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawai' i Map, have also successfully cultivated macadamia nuts, exotic flowers, avocados, vegetables and fruits; and WHEREAS, factors such as the cost of agricultural lands, soils and topography which present certain limitations for mechanized farming, land ownership characterized by a few large landholders, and urbanization pressures, have made it difficult for the Kona community to perpetuate the production of coffee within the Kona Coffee Belt lands, while trying to preserve its culture, history and rural lifestyles; and WHEREAS, the recommended land use action of the General Plan of the County of Hawaii states that "the County shall protect important agricultural lands within the Kona Coffee Belt" and, through zoning, the County should be able to achieve the goal of the General Plan which is to protect and maintain important agricultural lands within the County of Hawai' i From urban encroachment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that the Planning Director is requested to incorporate the Kona Coffee Belt lands into the General Plan update as a special agricultural district. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Hawai' i transmit copies of this resolution to the Hawaii Congressional Delegation; the Governor of Hawai' i; the State President of the Senate; the State Speaker of the House; Chairman of the Board of Agriculture;